Future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers is not at the height of his popularity, perhaps especially with Steelers fans. While there are many who are annoyed at his feet-dragging, many others don’t even want him on the team. Now 41 years old and coming off a five-win season, he is clearly past his prime. Many in the football world are questioning why any team would be headhunting for Rodgers? That group includes Rodney Harrison.
“I look at Aaron Rodgers and everything that’s happened to him the last few years, and he just does not look like any resemblance of the same quarterback,” the former Patriots safety said on Football Night in America recently, contemplating the Steelers’ pursuit of the former NFL MVP.
“At times, he’s gonna give you some great moments in spot duty,” Harrison admitted of Rodgers. “But overall, I don’t trust him. I don’t trust that he’s gonna stay healthy. I don’t trust that it’s gonna be a good situation.”
The Packers traded Rodgers to the Jets in 2023, and he promptly suffered a major injury in his debut. It wasn’t until last season that they got a long look at him, and that look left something to be desired. While his numbers improved over the course of the year, they still didn’t translate to success. And the Steelers are chasing victories, particularly in the playoffs, not passing game numbers.
Aaron Rodgers is the oldest player in the NFL, and he moves like it. He struggled last season to move in the pocket, and the Steelers had similar issues with Russell Wilson. Let’s be honest, Wilson is spry and agile in comparison to Rodgers.
“He is old, man, and this league is not built for old guys. This league is built for young guys,” Harrison insisted, continuing to go in on Rodgers. “Recovery, practice, games, it’s 17 games. If you make the playoffs, you are gonna end up playing almost close to 20 games. I have a lot of respect for Aaron and what he’s accomplished, but he’s not that dude anymore.”
“There’s no way I would touch Aaron Rodgers,” Harrison added. “I wouldn’t even entertain it.”
But every team needs a quarterback, and the Steelers don’t currently have one they view as a starter. If plans for Aaron Rodgers fall through, they may be content with Mason Rudolph, but that is not their intention.
One could make the case, at least, that he is their least-bad option on the field. Could Rodgers recapture some of his magic playing with the Steelers? He will have George Pickens, DK Metcalf, and Pat Freiermuth at his disposal. There is at least a sliver of optimism for an improved offensive line, as well. If they can set him up in an offense where he can just drop back and dissect a defense, this could work. If not, this could be a borderline disaster.
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